Russia Travel Forum

Hi,
I would like to know from people who recently traveled eastwards how they did it for food on the train. Next weekend I shall be on a train to Western Siberia, so I wonder whether to take some goodies from home.

Is it better to take some with you and why.? Or did you rely on the restaurant car?

Thanks
Sonja

Hello:

I actually did it going west, but it's basically the same thing. Snacks, such as granola bars, honey, and crackers, are a good inde to bring, but I mostly relied on the restaurant car. The food in the Russian car was ok and averaged about US$5 p/meal.

Definitely take some instant noodles -(those 2 minute noodles thingy that come in boxes)-with you and some snacks too..By the third day, most of the things in the menu in the dining compt. were sold out ...

joks

I've only seen the Russian side but found that snacks were easily available when the train stops. Jump out at the platform stalls and buy quickly - the train doesn't stop for long. (The ice creams are good and cheap).
Better yet, I suggest buying a ticket from one town to the next. It takes longer but you see a lot more and the trip is far more exciting. It's not expensive and you'll get to see a lot of the sites which are "off the beaten track".
Take a good book!
Good luck,
Pete

I would suggest a combination of all three things: I found the food in the restaurant very nice, but I also enjoyed buying things during the stops! The things that those women sell are delicious!

Some teabags, instant coffee and instant soups come in handy, since there is always hot water in the compartment.

For some more tips have a look at my Russia page - it is mainly about the Transsiberian Railway!

And do have a wonderful trip, Sonja!

Christine

Thanks everyone!

Everyone is correct but I would also take some jerky, nuts, and granola. Thes take up little room, offer a lot of nourishment and last forever. Also take TOILET PAPER! The train has a very small supply and you will have soem unpleasant experiences if you don't take some with you. First calss provides it but only enough for once per day.

I agree with everyone, take some thonhs with you, but you can buy all you beed on the platforms. Find out how long the train is staing, sometimes it will stop more then 20 minutes at the big stations, and it will give you enough time to buy food from the lady's. In the summer you will find a big assortment fruit and vegs. But they heva even warm pelminies, potaoes and chicken, Most of it is great and not expencive. Do as the russians do, they do ot too!!
Have a good time

Definately take food with you. The Russian food on the train and on the platform is great but it ran out on my trip also. I travelled first class which I also recommend. If you get off at stops make sure someone you trust is watching your room. I found a lot of people on the trains had ghost keys for the doors. I also have stories on my Russian and Mongolian pages

Rhianon

hey, Sonja,

nice hearing from u again!

I believe we had some e-mail exchange last year.

so u keep visiting Ruassia, huh?

I have to make one point which I feel wasn't mentioned by others here:

u don't need to bring all the stuff from ur home, I think u even must know it urself since it is not ur first time in Russia. u can buy practically everything and anything in Moscow nowdays. especially toilet paper - common, fellow - don't be silly bringing it from home!

food is probably main concern, yeah. but get some books too or something else to do. it is quite a long trip.

another thing: there are plenty of trains, don't depend only on so called Trans-siberian one. from Moscow, the capital, there are many good quality service trains to each and every big city in the country, especially to regional centres. it is their matter of prestige and honour as well as of survival in rigid competition, to offer good service. so why don't u try to find out which train is better for u - both in terms of service and ittinery?

good luck!

sincerely,
Atri